Displayed image transition indicator

ABSTRACT

A dual display communication device includes a gesture capture region to receive a gesture, a first touch sensitive display to receive a gesture and display displayed images (such as a desktop or window of an application), and a second touch sensitive display to receive a gesture and display displayed images. Middleware receives a gesture, the gesture indicating that a displayed image is to be moved from the first touch sensitive display to the second touch sensitive display, such as to maximize a window to cover portions of both displays simultaneously; in response and prior to movement of the displayed image to the second touch sensitive display, moves a transition indicator from the first touch sensitive display to the second touch sensitive display to a selected position to be occupied by the displayed image; and thereafter moves the displayed image from the first touch sensitive display to the second touch sensitive display to the selected position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefits of and priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 61/389,000, filed Oct. 1, 2010, entitled “DUAL DISPLAY WINDOWING SYSTEM;” 61/389,117, filed Oct. 1, 2010, entitled “MULTI-OPERATING SYSTEM PORTABLE DOCKETING DEVICE;” 61/389,087, filed Oct. 1, 2010, entitled “TABLET COMPUTING USER INTERFACE.” Each of the aforementioned documents is incorporated herein by this reference in their entirety for all that they teach and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

A substantial number of handheld computing devices, such as cellular phones, tablets, and E-Readers, make use of a touch screen display not only to deliver display information to the user but also to receive inputs from user interface commands. While touch screen displays may increase the configurability of the handheld device and provide a wide variety of user interface options, this flexibility typically comes at a price. The dual use of the touch screen to provide content and receive user commands, while flexible for the user, may obfuscate the display and cause visual clutter, thereby leading to user frustration and loss of productivity.

The small form factor of handheld computing devices requires a careful balancing between the displayed graphics and the area provided for receiving inputs. On the one hand, the small display constrains the display space, which may increase the difficulty of interpreting actions or results. On the other, a virtual keypad or other user interface scheme is superimposed on or positioned adjacent to an executing application, requiring the application to be squeezed into an even smaller portion of the display.

This balancing act is particularly difficult for single display touch screen devices. Single display touch screen devices are crippled by their limited screen space. When users are entering information into the device, through the single display, the ability to interpret information in the display can be severely hampered, particularly when a complex interaction between display and interface is required.

SUMMARY

There is a need for a dual multi-display handheld computing device that provides for enhanced power and/or versatility compared to conventional single display handheld computing devices. These and other needs are addressed by the various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the present disclosure. Also, while the disclosure is presented in terms of exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that individual aspects of the disclosure can be separately claimed.

In one embodiment, a method provides the steps of:

(a) receiving, by a gesture capture region and/or a touch sensitive display, a gesture, the gesture indicating that a displayed image is to be moved from a first touch sensitive display to a second touch sensitive display; and

(b) in response and prior to movement of the displayed image to the second touch sensitive display, moving, by a microprocessor, a transition indicator from the first touch sensitive display to the second touch sensitive display to a selected position to be occupied by the displayed image; and

(c) thereafter moving, by the microprocessor, the displayed image from the first touch sensitive display to the second touch sensitive display to the selected position.

In one embodiment, a dual display communication device includes:

(i) a gesture capture region to receive a gesture; and

(ii) a first touch sensitive display to receive a gesture and display displayed images, wherein the displayed images are desktop and/or window of an application;

(iii) a second touch sensitive display to receive a gesture and display displayed images;

(iv) middleware operable to perform one or more of the following operations:

(A) receive a gesture, the gesture indicating that a displayed image is to be expanded from the first touch sensitive display to cover most, if not all, of the second touch sensitive display; and

(B) in response and prior to expansion of the displayed image to the second touch sensitive display, expand a transition indicator to cover most, if not all, of the second touch sensitive display; and

(C) thereafter expand the displayed image to the second touch sensitive display.

In one configuration, the displayed image is a desktop, and the gesture is received by the touch sensitive display.

In one configuration, the displayed image is a window, the gesture is received by the gesture capture region, and the gesture capture region is unable to display any displayed image.

In one configuration, the window is minimized on the first touch-sensitive display and maximized by the gesture to cover most of the first and second touch-sensitive displays.

In one configuration, the transition indicator moves along a path of travel of the displayed image to the selected position to preview movement of the displayed image, and a size and shape of the transition indicator is substantially the same as the displayed image.

In one configuration, the transition indicator is unable to receive or provide dynamic user input or output, respectively, and the transition indicator has an appearance different from the displayed image.

In one configuration, the displayed image and transition indicator are simultaneously in active display positions on the first and second touch sensitive displays, respectively, prior to initiation of movement of the displayed image and the transition indicator comprises a user configured color, pattern, design, and/or photograph.

In one configuration, the transition indicator is a graphical affordance, the window is controlled by a multi-screen application, and the transition indicator, during movement from the first touch sensitive display to the second touch sensitive display, is substantially non-responsive to a user command or request.

The present disclosure can provide a number of advantages depending on the particular aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. The transition indicator can provide a more aesthetically pleasing and simplified user interface. It can also be used during transitions when an actual view cannot be rendered due to processing delays or other issues. The well can avoid an otherwise empty and aesthetically unattractive display.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

The term “automatic” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any process or operation done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input is received before performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be “material”.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any tangible storage and/or transmission medium that participate in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, NVRAM, or magnetic or optical disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, magneto-optical medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, a solid state medium like a memory card, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read. A digital file attachment to e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. When the computer-readable media is configured as a database, it is to be understood that the database may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical, object-oriented, and/or the like. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include a tangible storage medium or distribution medium and prior art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations of the present disclosure are stored.

The term “desktop” refers to a metaphor used to portray systems. A desktop is generally considered a “surface” that typically includes pictures, called icons, widgets, folders, etc. that can activate show applications, windows, cabinets, files, folders, documents, and other graphical items. The icons are generally selectable to initiate an task through user interface interaction to allow a user to execute applications or conduct other operations.

The term “display” refers to a portion of a screen used to display the output of a computer to a user.

The term “displayed image” refers to an image produced on the display. A typical displayed image is a window or desktop. The displayed image may occupy all or a portion of the display.

The term “display orientation” refers to the way in which a rectangular display is oriented by a user for viewing. The two most common types of display orientation are portrait and landscape. In landscape mode, the display is oriented such that the width of the display is greater than the height of the display (such as a 4:3 ratio, which is 4 units wide and 3 units tall, or a 16:9 ratio, which is 16 units wide and 9 units tall). Stated differently, the longer dimension of the display is oriented substantially horizontal in landscape mode while the shorter dimension of the display is oriented substantially vertical. In the portrait mode, by contrast, the display is oriented such that the width of the display is less than the height of the display. Stated differently, the shorter dimension of the display is oriented substantially horizontal in the portrait mode while the longer dimension of the display is oriented substantially vertical. The multi-screen display can have one composite display that encompasses all the screens. The composite display can have different display characteristics based on the various orientations of the device.

The term “gesture” refers to a user action that expresses an intended idea, action, meaning, result, and/or outcome. The user action can include manipulating a device (e.g., opening or closing a device, changing a device orientation, moving a trackball or wheel, etc.), movement of a body part in relation to the device, movement of an implement or tool in relation to the device, audio inputs, etc. A gesture may be made on a device (such as on the screen) or with the device to interact with the device.

The term “module” as used herein refers to any known or later developed hardware, software, firmware, artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic, or combination of hardware and software that is capable of performing the functionality associated with that element.

The term “gesture capture” refers to a sense or otherwise a detection of an instance and/or type of user gesture. The gesture capture can occur in one or more areas of the screen, A gesture region can be on the display, where it may be referred to as a touch sensitive display or off the display where it may be referred to as a gesture capture area.

A “multi-screen application” refers to an application that is capable of producing one or more windows that may simultaneously occupy multiple screens. A multi-screen application commonly can operate in single-screen mode in which one or more windows of the application are displayed only on one screen or in multi-screen mode in which one or more windows are displayed simultaneously on multiple screens.

A “single-screen application” refers to an application that is capable of producing one or more windows that may occupy only a single screen at a time.

The term “screen,” “touch screen,” or “touchscreen” refers to a physical structure that enables the user to interact with the computer by touching areas on the screen and provides information to a user through a display. The touch screen may sense user contact in a number of different ways, such as by a change in an electrical parameter (e.g., resistance or capacitance), acoustic wave variations, infrared radiation proximity detection, light variation detection, and the like. In a resistive touch screen, for example, normally separated conductive and resistive metallic layers in the screen pass an electrical current. When a user touches the screen, the two layers make contact in the contacted location, whereby a change in electrical field is noted and the coordinates of the contacted location calculated. In a capacitive touch screen, a capacitive layer stores electrical charge, which is discharged to the user upon contact with the touch screen, causing a decrease in the charge of the capacitive layer. The decrease is measured, and the contacted location coordinates determined. In a surface acoustic wave touch screen, an acoustic wave is transmitted through the screen, and the acoustic wave is disturbed by user contact. A receiving transducer detects the user contact instance and determines the contacted location coordinates.

The term “window” refers to a, typically rectangular, displayed image on at least part of a display that contains or provides content different from the rest of the screen. The window may obscure the desktop.

The terms “determine”, “calculate” and “compute,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.

It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112, Paragraph 6. Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.

The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A includes a first view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;

FIG. 1B includes a second view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;

FIG. 1C includes a third view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;

FIG. 1D includes a fourth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;

FIG. 1E includes a fifth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;

FIG. 1F includes a sixth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;

FIG. 1G includes a seventh view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;

FIG. 1H includes a eighth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;

FIG. 1I includes a ninth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;

FIG. 1J includes a tenth view of an embodiment of a multi-screen user device;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the hardware of the device;

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an embodiment of the state model for the device based on the device's orientation and/or configuration;

FIG. 3B is a table of an embodiment of the state model for the device based on the device's orientation and/or configuration;

FIG. 4A is a first representation of an embodiment of user gesture received at a device;

FIG. 4B is a second representation of an embodiment of user gesture received at a device;

FIG. 4C is a third representation of an embodiment of user gesture received at a device;

FIG. 4D is a fourth representation of an embodiment of user gesture received at a device;

FIG. 4E is a fifth representation of an embodiment of user gesture received at a device;

FIG. 4F is a sixth representation of an embodiment of user gesture received at a device;

FIG. 4G is a seventh representation of an embodiment of user gesture received at a device;

FIG. 4H is a eighth representation of an embodiment of user gesture received at a device;

FIG. 5A is a block diagram of an embodiment of the device software and/or firmware;

FIG. 5B is a second block diagram of an embodiment of the device software and/or firmware;

FIG. 6A is a first representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;

FIG. 6B is a second representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;

FIG. 6C is a third representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;

FIG. 6D is a fourth representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;

FIG. 6E is a fifth representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;

FIG. 6F is a sixth representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;

FIG. 6G is a seventh representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;

FIG. 6H is a eighth representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;

FIG. 6I is a ninth representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;

FIG. 6J is a tenth representation of an embodiment of a device configuration generated in response to the device state;

FIGS. 7A-F are a series of portrait display orientation screen shots according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 8A-E are a series of landscape display orientation screen shots according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart representing an embodiment;

FIG. 10A is representation of a logical window stack;

FIG. 10B is another representation of an embodiment of a logical window stack;

FIG. 10C is another representation of an embodiment of a logical window stack;

FIG. 10D is another representation of an embodiment of a logical window stack;

FIG. 10E is another representation of an embodiment of a logical window stack;

FIG. 11 is block diagram of an embodiment of a logical data structure for a window stack;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for creating a window stack; and

FIG. 13 depicts a window stacking configuration according to an embodiment.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Presented herein are embodiments of a device. The device can be a communications device, such as a cellular telephone, or other smart device. The device can include two screens that are oriented to provide several unique display configurations. Further, the device can receive user input in unique ways. The overall design and functionality of the device provides for an enhanced user experience making the device more useful and more efficient.

Mechanical Features:

FIGS. 1A-1J illustrate a device 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As described in greater detail below, device 100 can be positioned in a number of different ways each of which provides different functionality to a user. The device 100 is a multi-screen device that includes a primary screen 104 and a secondary screen 108, both of which are touch sensitive. In embodiments, the entire front surface of screens 104 and 108 may be touch sensitive and capable of receiving input by a user touching the front surface of the screens 104 and 108. Primary screen 104 includes touch sensitive display 110, which, in addition to being touch sensitive, also displays information to a user. Secondary screen 108 includes touch sensitive display 114, which also displays information to a user. In other embodiments, screens 104 and 108 may include more than one display area.

Primary screen 104 also includes a configurable area 112 that has been configured for specific inputs when the user touches portions of the configurable area 112. Secondary screen 108 also includes a configurable area 116 that has been configured for specific inputs. Areas 112 a and 116 a have been configured to receive a “back” input indicating that a user would like to view information previously displayed. Areas 112 b and 116 b have been configured to receive a “menu” input indicating that the user would like to view options from a menu. Areas 112 c and 116 c have been configured to receive a “home” input indicating that the user would like to view information associated with a “home” view. In other embodiments, areas 112 a-c and 116 a-c may be configured, in addition to the configurations described above, for other types of specific inputs including controlling features of device 100, some non-limiting examples including adjusting overall system power, adjusting the volume, adjusting the brightness, adjusting the vibration, selecting of displayed items (on either of screen 104 or 108), operating a camera, operating a microphone, and initiating/terminating of telephone calls. Also, in some embodiments, areas 112 a-C and 116 a-C may be configured for specific inputs depending upon the application running on device 100 and/or information displayed on touch sensitive displays 110 and/or 114.

In addition to touch sensing, primary screen 104 and secondary screen 108 may also include areas that receive input from a user without requiring the user to touch the display area of the screen. For example, primary screen 104 includes gesture capture area 120, and secondary screen 108 includes gesture capture area 124. These areas are able to receive input by recognizing gestures made by a user without the need for the user to actually touch the surface of the display area. In comparison to touch sensitive displays 110 and 114, the gesture capture areas 120 and 124 are commonly not capable of rendering a displayed image.

The two screens 104 and 108 are connected together with a hinge 128, shown clearly in FIG. 1C (illustrating a back view of device 100). Hinge 128, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1J, is a center hinge that connects screens 104 and 108 so that when the hinge is closed, screens 104 and 108 are juxtaposed (i.e., side-by-side) as shown in FIG. 1B (illustrating a front view of device 100). Hinge 128 can be opened to position the two screens 104 and 108 in different relative positions to each other. As described in greater detail below, the device 100 may have different functionalities depending on the relative positions of screens 104 and 108.

FIG. 1D illustrates the right side of device 100. As shown in FIG. 1D, secondary screen 108 also includes a card slot 132 and a port 136 on its side. Card slot 132 in embodiments, accommodates different types of cards including a subscriber identity module (SIM). Port 136 in embodiments is an input/output port (I/O port) that allows device 100 to be connected to other peripheral devices, such as a display, keyboard, or printing device. As can be appreciated, these are merely some examples and in other embodiments device 100 may include other slots and ports such as slots and ports for accommodating additional memory devices and/or for connecting other peripheral devices. Also shown in FIG. 1D is an audio jack 140 that accommodates a tip, ring, sleeve (TRS) connector for example to allow a user to utilize headphones or a headset.

Device 100 also includes a number of buttons 158. For example, FIG. 1E illustrates the left side of device 100. As shown in FIG. 1E, the side of primary screen 104 includes three buttons 144, 148, and 152, which can be configured for specific inputs. For example, buttons 144, 148, and 152 may be configured to, in combination or alone, control a number of aspects of device 100. Some non-limiting examples include overall system power, volume, brightness, vibration, selection of displayed items (on either of screen 104 or 108), a camera, a microphone, and initiation/termination of telephone calls. In some embodiments, instead of separate buttons two buttons may be combined into a rocker button. This arrangement is useful in situations where the buttons are configured to control features such as volume or brightness. In addition to buttons 144, 148, and 152, device 100 also includes a button 156, shown in FIG. 1F, which illustrates the top of device 100. In one embodiment, button 156 is configured as an on/off button used to control overall system power to device 100. In other embodiments, button 156 is configured to, in addition to or in lieu of controlling system power, control other aspects of device 100. In some embodiments, one or more of the buttons 144, 148, 152, and 156 are capable of supporting different user commands. By way of example, a normal press has a duration commonly of less than about 1 second and resembles a quick tap. A medium press has a duration commonly of 1 second or more but less than about 12 seconds. A long press has a duration commonly of about 12 seconds or more. The function of the buttons is normally specific to the application that is currently in focus on the respective display 110 and 114. In a telephone application for instance and depending on the particular button, a normal, medium, or long press can mean end call, increase in call volume, decrease in call volume, and toggle microphone mute. In a camera or video application for instance and depending on the particular button, a normal, medium, or long press can mean increase zoom, decrease zoom, and take photograph or record video.

There are also a number of hardware components within device 100. As illustrated in FIG. 1C, device 100 includes a speaker 160 and a microphone 164. Device 100 also includes a camera 168 (FIG. 1B). Additionally, device 100 includes two position sensors 172A and 172B, which are used to determine the relative positions of screens 104 and 108. In one embodiment, position sensors 172A and 172B are Hall effect sensors. However, in other embodiments other sensors can be used in addition to or in lieu of the Hall effect sensors. An accelerometer 176 may also be included as part of device 100 to determine the orientation of the device 100 and/or the orientation of screens 104 and 108. Additional internal hardware components that may be included in device 100 are described below with respect to FIG. 2.

The overall design of device 100 allows it to provide additional functionality not available in other communication devices. Some of the functionality is based on the various positions and orientations that device 100 can have. As shown in FIGS. 1B-1G, device 100 can be operated in an “open” position where screens 104 and 108 are juxtaposed. This position allows a large display area for displaying information to a user. When position sensors 172A and 172B determine that device 100 is in the open position, they can generate a signal that can be used to trigger different events such as displaying information on both screens 104 and 108. Additional events may be triggered if accelerometer 176 determines that device 100 is in a portrait position (FIG. 1B) as opposed to a landscape position (not shown).

In addition to the open position, device 100 may also have a “closed” position illustrated in FIG. 1H. Again, position sensors 172A and 172B can generate a signal indicating that device 100 is in the “closed” position. This can trigger an event that results in a change of displayed information on screen 104 and/or 108. For example, device 100 may be programmed to stop displaying information on one of the screens, e.g., screen 108, since a user can only view one screen at a time when device 100 is in the “closed” position. In other embodiments, the signal generated by position sensors 172A and 172B, indicating that the device 100 is in the “closed” position, can trigger device 100 to answer an incoming telephone call. The “closed” position can also be a preferred position for utilizing the device 100 as a mobile phone.

Device 100 can also be used in an “easel” position which is illustrated in FIG. 1I. In the “easel” position, screens 104 and 108 are angled with respect to each other and facing outward with the edges of screens 104 and 108 substantially horizontal. In this position, device 100 can be configured to display information on both screens 104 and 108 to allow two users to simultaneously interact with device 100. When device 100 is in the “easel” position, sensors 172A and 172B generate a signal indicating that the screens 104 and 108 are positioned at an angle to each other, and the accelerometer 176 can generate a signal indicating that device 100 has been placed so that the edge of screens 104 and 108 are substantially horizontal. The signals can then be used in combination to generate events that trigger changes in the display of information on screens 104 and 108.

FIG. 1J illustrates device 100 in a “modified easel” position. In the “modified easel” position, one of screens 104 or 108 is used as a stand and is faced down on the surface of an object such as a table. This position provides a convenient way for information to be displayed to a user in landscape orientation. Similar to the easel position, when device 100 is in the “modified easel” position, position sensors 172A and 172B generate a signal indicating that the screens 104 and 108 are positioned at an angle to each other. The accelerometer 176 would generate a signal indicating that device 100 has been positioned so that one of screens 104 and 108 is faced downwardly and is substantially horizontal. The signals can then be used to generate events that trigger changes in the display of information of screens 104 and 108. For example, information may not be displayed on the screen that is face down since a user cannot see the screen.

Transitional states are also possible. When the position sensors 172A and B and/or accelerometer indicate that the screens are being closed or folded (from open), a closing transitional state is recognized. Conversely when the position sensors 172A and B indicate that the screens are being opened or folded (from closed), an opening transitional state is recognized. The closing and opening transitional states are typically time-based, or have a maximum time duration from a sensed starting point. Normally, no user input is possible when one of the closing and opening states is in effect. In this manner, incidental user contact with a screen during the closing or opening function is not misinterpreted as user input. In embodiments, another transitional state is possible when the device 100 is closed. This additional transitional state allows the display to switch from one screen 104 to the second screen 108 when the device 100 is closed based on some user input, e.g., a double tap on the screen 110,114.

As can be appreciated, the description of device 100 is made for illustrative purposes only, and the embodiments are not limited to the specific mechanical features shown in FIGS. 1A-1J and described above. In other embodiments, device 100 may include additional features, including one or more additional buttons, slots, display areas, hinges, and/or locking mechanisms. Additionally, in embodiments, the features described above may be located in different parts of device 100 and still provide similar functionality. Therefore, FIGS. 1A-1J and the description provided above are nonlimiting.

Hardware Features:

FIG. 2 illustrates components of a device 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, the device 100 includes a primary screen 104 and a secondary screen 108. While the primary screen 104 and its components are normally enabled in both the opened and closed positions or states, the secondary screen 108 and its components are normally enabled in the opened state but disabled in the closed state. However, even when in the closed state a user or application triggered interrupt (such as in response to a phone application or camera application operation) can flip the active screen, or disable the primary screen 104 and enable the secondary screen 108, by a suitable command. Each screen 104, 108 can be touch sensitive and can include different operative areas. For example, a first operative area, within each touch sensitive screen 104 and 108, may comprise a touch sensitive display 110, 114. In general, the touch sensitive display 110, 114 may comprise a full color, touch sensitive display. A second area within each touch sensitive screen 104 and 108 may comprise a gesture capture region 120, 124. The gesture capture region 120, 124 may comprise an area or region that is outside of the touch sensitive display 110, 114 area, and that is capable of receiving input, for example in the form of gestures provided by a user. However, the gesture capture region 120, 124 does not include pixels that can perform a display function or capability.

A third region of the touch sensitive screens 104 and 108 may comprise a configurable area 112, 116. The configurable area 112, 116 is capable of receiving input and has display or limited display capabilities. In embodiments, the configurable area 112, 116 may present different input options to the user. For example, the configurable area 112, 116 may display buttons or other relatable items. Moreover, the identity of displayed buttons, or whether any buttons are displayed at all within the configurable area 112, 116 of a touch sensitive screen 104 or 108, may be determined from the context in which the device 100 is used and/or operated. In an exemplary embodiment, the touch sensitive screens 104 and 108 comprise liquid crystal display devices extending across at least those regions of the touch sensitive screens 104 and 108 that are capable of providing visual output to a user, and a capacitive input matrix over those regions of the touch sensitive screens 104 and 108 that are capable of receiving input from the user.

One or more display controllers 216 a, 216 b may be provided for controlling the operation of the touch sensitive screens 104 and 108, including input (touch sensing) and output (display) functions. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, a separate touch screen controller 216 a or 216 b is provided for each touch screen 104 and 108. In accordance with alternate embodiments, a common or shared touch screen controller 216 may be used to control each of the included touch sensitive screens 104 and 108. In accordance with still other embodiments, the functions of a touch screen controller 216 may be incorporated into other components, such as a processor 204.

The processor 204 may comprise a general purpose programmable processor or controller for executing application programming or instructions. In accordance with at least some embodiments, the processor 204 may include multiple processor cores, and/or implement multiple virtual processors. In accordance with still other embodiments, the processor 204 may include multiple physical processors. As a particular example, the processor 204 may comprise a specially configured application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a controller, a hardwired electronic or logic circuit, a programmable logic device or gate array, a special purpose computer, or the like. The processor 204 generally functions to run programming code or instructions implementing various functions of the device 100.

A communication device 100 may also include memory 208 for use in connection with the execution of application programming or instructions by the processor 204, and for the temporary or long term storage of program instructions and/or data. As examples, the memory 208 may comprise RAM, DRAM, SDRAM, or other solid state memory. Alternatively or in addition, data storage 212 may be provided. Like the memory 208, the data storage 212 may comprise a solid state memory device or devices. Alternatively or in addition, the data storage 212 may comprise a hard disk drive or other random access memory.

In support of communications functions or capabilities, the device 100 can include a cellular telephony module 228. As examples, the cellular telephony module 228 can comprise a GSM, CDMA, FDMA and/or analog cellular telephony transceiver capable of supporting voice, multimedia and/or data transfers over a cellular network. Alternatively or in addition, the device 100 can include an additional or other wireless communications module 232. As examples, the other wireless communications module 232 can comprise a Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH™, WiMax, infrared, or other wireless communications link. The cellular telephony module 228 and the other wireless communications module 232 can each be associated with a shared or a dedicated antenna 224.

A port interface 252 may be included. The port interface 252 may include proprietary or universal ports to support the interconnection of the device 100 to other devices or components, such as a dock, which may or may not include additional or different capabilities from those integral to the device 100. In addition to supporting an exchange of communication signals between the device 100 and another device or component, the docking port 136 and/or port interface 252 can support the supply of power to or from the device 100. The port interface 252 also comprises an intelligent element that comprises a docking module for controlling communications or other interactions between the device 100 and a connected device or component.

An input/output module 248 and associated ports may be included to support communications over wired networks or links, for example with other communication devices, server devices, and/or peripheral devices. Examples of an input/output module 248 include an Ethernet port, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394, or other interface.

An audio input/output interface/device(s) 244 can be included to provide analog audio to an interconnected speaker or other device, and to receive analog audio input from a connected microphone or other device. As an example, the audio input/output interface/device(s) 244 may comprise an associated amplifier and analog to digital converter. Alternatively or in addition, the device 100 can include an integrated audio input/output device 256 and/or an audio jack for interconnecting an external speaker or microphone. For example, an integrated speaker and an integrated microphone can be provided, to support near talk or speaker phone operations.

Hardware buttons 158 can be included for example for use in connection with certain control operations. Examples include a master power switch, volume control, etc., as described in conjunction with FIGS. 1A through 1J. One or more image capture interfaces/devices 240, such as a camera, can be included for capturing still and/or video images. Alternatively or in addition, an image capture interface/device 240 can include a scanner or code reader. An image capture interface/device 240 can include or be associated with additional elements, such as a flash or other light source.

The device 100 can also include a global positioning system (GPS) receiver 236. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the GPS receiver 236 may further comprise a GPS module that is capable of providing absolute location information to other components of the device 100. An accelerometer(s) 176 may also be included. For example, in connection with the display of information to a user and/or other functions, a signal from the accelerometer 176 can be used to determine an orientation and/or format in which to display that information to the user.

Embodiments of the present invention can also include one or more position sensor(s) 172. The position sensor 172 can provide a signal indicating the position of the touch sensitive screens 104 and 108 relative to one another. This information can be provided as an input, for example to a user interface application, to determine an operating mode, characteristics of the touch sensitive displays 110, 114, and/or other device 100 operations. As examples, a screen position sensor 172 can comprise a series of Hall effect sensors, a multiple position switch, an optical switch, a Wheatstone bridge, a potentiometer, or other arrangement capable of providing a signal indicating of multiple relative positions the touch screens are in.

Communications between various components of the device 100 can be carried by one or more buses 222. In addition, power can be supplied to the components of the device 100 from a power source and/or power control module 260. The power control module 260 can, for example, include a battery, an AC to DC converter, power control logic, and/or ports for interconnecting the device 100 to an external source of power.

Device State:

FIGS. 3A and 3B represent illustrative states of device 100. While a number of illustrative states are shown, and transitions from a first state to a second state, it is to be appreciated that the illustrative state diagram may not encompass all possible states and/or all possible transitions from a first state to a second state. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the various arrows between the states (illustrated by the state represented in the circle) represent a physical change that occurs to the device 100, that is detected by one or more of hardware and software, the detection triggering one or more of a hardware and/or software interrupt that is used to control and/or manage one or more functions of device 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, there are twelve exemplary “physical” states: closed 304, transition 308 (or opening transitional state), easel 312, modified easel 316, open 320, inbound/outbound call or communication 324, image/video capture 328, transition 332 (or closing transitional state), landscape 340, docked 336, docked 344 and landscape 348. Next to each illustrative state is a representation of the physical state of the device 100 with the exception of states 324 and 328, where the state is generally symbolized by the international icon for a telephone and the icon for a camera, respectfully.

In state 304, the device is in a closed state with the device 100 generally oriented in the portrait direction with the primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108 back-to-back in different planes (see FIG. 1H). From the closed state, the device 100 can enter, for example, docked state 336, where the device 100 is coupled with a docking station, docking cable, or in general docked or associated with one or more other devices or peripherals, or the landscape state 340, where the device 100 is generally oriented with the primary screen 104 facing the user, and the primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108 being back-to-back.

In the closed state, the device can also move to a transitional state where the device remains closed by the display is moved from one screen 104 to another screen 108 based on a user input, e.g., a double tap on the screen 110, 114. Still another embodiment includes a bilateral state. In the bilateral state, the device remains closed, but a single application displays at least one window on both the first display 110 and the second display 114. The windows shown on the first and second display 110, 114 may be the same or different based on the application and the state of that application. For example, while acquiring an image with a camera, the device may display the view finder on the first display 110 and displays a preview for the photo subjects (full screen and mirrored left-to-right) on the second display 114.

In state 308, a transition state from the closed state 304 to the semi-open state or easel state 312, the device 100 is shown opening with the primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108 being rotated around a point of axis coincidence with the hinge. Upon entering the easel state 312, the primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108 are separated from one another such that, for example, the device 100 can sit in an easel-like configuration on a surface.

In state 316, known as the modified easel position, the device 100 has the primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108 in a similar relative relationship to one another as in the easel state 312, with the difference being one of the primary screen 104 or the secondary screen 108 are placed on a surface as shown.

State 320 is the open state where the primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108 are generally on the same plane. From the open state, the device 100 can transition to the docked state 344 or the open landscape state 348. In the open state 320, the primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108 are generally in the portrait-like orientation while in landscaped state 348 the primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108 are generally in a landscape-like orientation.

State 324 is illustrative of a communication state, such as when an inbound or outbound call is being received or placed, respectively, by the device 100. While not illustrated for clarity, it should be appreciated the device 100 can transition to the inbound/outbound call state 324 from any state illustrated in FIG. 3. In a similar manner, the image/video capture state 328 can be entered into from any other state in FIG. 3, with the image/video capture state 328 allowing the device 100 to take one or more images via a camera and/or videos with a video capture device 240.

Transition state 322 illustratively shows primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108 being closed upon one another for entry into, for example, the closed state 304.

FIG. 3B illustrates, with reference to the key, the inputs that are received to detect a transition from a first state to a second state. In FIG. 3B, various combinations of states are shown with in general, a portion of the columns being directed toward a portrait state 352, a landscape state 356, and a portion of the rows being directed to portrait state 360 and landscape state 364.

In FIG. 3B, the Key indicates that “H” represents an input from one or more Hall Effect sensors, “A” represents an input from one or more accelerometers, “T” represents an input from a timer, “P” represents a communications trigger input and “I” represents an image and/or video capture request input. Thus, in the center portion 376 of the chart, an input, or combination of inputs, are shown that represent how the device 100 detects a transition from a first physical state to a second physical state.

As discussed, in the center portion of the chart 376, the inputs that are received enable the detection of a transition from, for example, a portrait open state to a landscape easel state—shown in bold—“HAT.” For this exemplary transition from the portrait open to the landscape easel state, a Hall Effect sensor (“H”), an accelerometer (“A”) and a timer (“T”) input may be needed. The timer input can be derived from, for example, a clock associated with the processor.

In addition to the portrait and landscape states, a docked state 368 is also shown that is triggered based on the receipt of a docking signal 372. As discussed above and in relation to FIG. 3, the docking signal can be triggered by the association of the device 100 with one or more other device 100 s, accessories, peripherals, smart docks, or the like.

User Interaction:

FIGS. 4A through 4H depict various graphical representations of gesture inputs that may be recognized by the screens 104, 108. The gestures may be performed not only by a user's body part, such as a digit, but also by other devices, such as a stylus, that may be sensed by the contact sensing portion(s) of a screen 104, 108. In general, gestures are interpreted differently, based on where the gestures are performed (either directly on the display 110, 114 or in the gesture capture region 120, 124). For example, gestures in the display 110,114 may be directed to a desktop or application, and gestures in the gesture capture region 120, 124 may be interpreted as for the system.

With reference to FIGS. 4A-4H, a first type of gesture, a touch gesture 420, is substantially stationary on the screen 104,108 for a selected length of time. A circle 428 represents a touch or other contact type received at particular location of a contact sensing portion of the screen. The circle 428 may include a border 432, the thickness of which indicates a length of time that the contact is held substantially stationary at the contact location. For instance, a tap 420 (or short press) has a thinner border 432 a than the border 432 b for a long press 424 (or for a normal press). The long press 424 may involve a contact that remains substantially stationary on the screen for longer time period than that of a tap 420. As will be appreciated, differently defined gestures may be registered depending upon the length of time that the touch remains stationary prior to contact cessation or movement on the screen.

With reference to FIG. 4C, a drag gesture 400 on the screen 104,108 is an initial contact (represented by circle 428) with contact movement 436 in a selected direction. The initial contact 428 may remain stationary on the screen 104,108 for a certain amount of time represented by the border 432. The drag gesture typically requires the user to contact an icon, window, or other displayed image at a first location followed by movement of the contact in a drag direction to a new second location desired for the selected displayed image. The contact movement need not be in a straight line but have any path of movement so long as the contact is substantially continuous from the first to the second locations.

With reference to FIG. 4D, a flick gesture 404 on the screen 104,108 is an initial contact (represented by circle 428) with truncated contact movement 436 (relative to a drag gesture) in a selected direction. In embodiments, a flick has a higher exit velocity for the last movement in the gesture compared to the drag gesture. The flick gesture can, for instance, be a finger snap following initial contact. Compared to a drag gesture, a flick gesture generally does not require continual contact with the screen 104,108 from the first location of a displayed image to a predetermined second location. The contacted displayed image is moved by the flick gesture in the direction of the flick gesture to the predetermined second location. Although both gestures commonly can move a displayed image from a first location to a second location, the temporal duration and distance of travel of the contact on the screen is generally less for a flick than for a drag gesture.

With reference to FIG. 4E, a pinch gesture 408 on the screen 104,108 is depicted. The pinch gesture 408 may be initiated by a first contact 428 a to the screen 104,108 by, for example, a first digit and a second contact 428 b to the screen 104,108 by, for example, a second digit. The first and second contacts 428 a,b may be detected by a common contact sensing portion of a common screen 104,108, by different contact sensing portions of a common screen 104 or 108, or by different contact sensing portions of different screens. The first contact 428 a is held for a first amount of time, as represented by the border 432 a, and the second contact 428 b is held for a second amount of time, as represented by the border 432 b. The first and second amounts of time are generally substantially the same, and the first and second contacts 428 a, b generally occur substantially simultaneously. The first and second contacts 428 a, b generally also include corresponding first and second contact movements 436 a, b, respectively. The first and second contact movements 436 a, b are generally in opposing directions. Stated another way, the first contact movement 436 a is towards the second contact 436 b, and the second contact movement 436 b is towards the first contact 436 a. More simply stated, the pinch gesture 408 may be accomplished by a user's digits touching the screen 104,108 in a pinching motion.

With reference to FIG. 4F, a spread gesture 410 on the screen 104,108 is depicted. The spread gesture 410 may be initiated by a first contact 428 a to the screen 104,108 by, for example, a first digit and a second contact 428 b to the screen 104,108 by, for example, a second digit. The first and second contacts 428 a,b may be detected by a common contact sensing portion of a common screen 104,108, by different contact sensing portions of a common screen 104,108, or by different contact sensing portions of different screens. The first contact 428 a is held for a first amount of time, as represented by the border 432 a, and the second contact 428 b is held for a second amount of time, as represented by the border 432 b. The first and second amounts of time are generally substantially the same, and the first and second contacts 428 a, b generally occur substantially simultaneously. The first and second contacts 428 a, b generally also include corresponding first and second contact movements 436 a, b, respectively. The first and second contact movements 436 a, b are generally in a common direction. Stated another way, the first and second contact movements 436 a, b are away from the first and second contacts 428 a, b. More simply stated, the spread gesture 410 may be accomplished by a user's digits touching the screen 104,108 in a spreading motion.

The above gestures may be combined in any manner, such as those shown by FIGS. 4G and 4H, to produce a determined functional result. For example, in FIG. 4G a tap gesture 420 is combined with a drag or flick gesture 412 in a direction away from the tap gesture 420. In FIG. 4H, a tap gesture 420 is combined with a drag or flick gesture 412 in a direction towards the tap gesture 420.

The functional result of receiving a gesture can vary depending on a number of factors, including a state of the device 100, display 110, 114, or screen 104, 108, a context associated with the gesture, or sensed location of the gesture. The state of the device commonly refers to one or more of a configuration of the device 100, a display orientation, and user and other inputs received by the device 100. Context commonly refers to one or more of the particular application(s) selected by the gesture and the portion(s) of the application currently executing, whether the application is a single- or multi-screen application, and whether the application is a multi-screen application displaying one or more windows in one or more screens or in one or more stacks. Sensed location of the gesture commonly refers to whether the sensed set(s) of gesture location coordinates are on a touch sensitive display 110, 114 or a gesture capture region 120, 124, whether the sensed set(s) of gesture location coordinates are associated with a common or different display or screen 104,108, and/or what portion of the gesture capture region contains the sensed set(s) of gesture location coordinates.

A tap, when received by an a touch sensitive display 110, 114, can be used, for instance, to select an icon to initiate or terminate execution of a corresponding application, to maximize or minimize a window, to reorder windows in a stack, and to provide user input such as by keyboard display or other displayed image. A drag, when received by a touch sensitive display 110, 114, can be used, for instance, to relocate an icon or window to a desired location within a display, to reorder a stack on a display, or to span both displays (such that the selected window occupies a portion of each display simultaneously). A flick, when received by a touch sensitive display 110, 114 or a gesture capture region 120, 124, can be used to relocate a window from a first display to a second display or to span both displays (such that the selected window occupies a portion of each display simultaneously). Unlike the drag gesture, however, the flick gesture is generally not used to move the displayed image to a specific user-selected location but to a default location that is not configurable by the user.

The pinch gesture, when received by a touch sensitive display 110, 114 or a gesture capture region 120, 124, can be used to maximize or otherwise increase the displayed area or size of a window (typically when received entirely by a common display), to switch windows displayed at the top of the stack on each display to the top of the stack of the other display (typically when received by different displays or screens), or to display an application manager (a “pop-up window” that displays the windows in the stack). The spread gesture, when received by a touch sensitive display 110, 114 or a gesture capture region 120, 124, can be used to minimize or otherwise decrease the displayed area or size of a window, to switch windows displayed at the top of the stack on each display to the top of the stack of the other display (typically when received by different displays or screens), or to display an application manager (typically when received by an off-screen gesture capture region on the same or different screens).

The combined gestures of FIG. 4G, when received by a common display capture region in a common display or screen 104,108, can be used to hold a first window stack location in a first stack constant for a display receiving the gesture while reordering a second window stack location in a second window stack to include a window in the display receiving the gesture. The combined gestures of FIG. 4H, when received by different display capture regions in a common display or screen 104,108 or in different displays or screens, can be used to hold a first window stack location in a first window stack constant for a display receiving the tap part of the gesture while reordering a second window stack location in a second window stack to include a window in the display receiving the flick or drag gesture. Although specific gestures and gesture capture regions in the preceding examples have been associated with corresponding sets of functional results, it is to be appreciated that these associations can be redefined in any manner to produce differing associations between gestures and/or gesture capture regions and/or functional results.

Firmware and Software:

The memory 508 may store and the processor 504 may execute one or more software components. These components can include at least one operating system (OS) 516 a and/or 516 b, a framework 520, and/or one or more applications 564 a and/or 564 b from an application store 560. The processor 504 may receive inputs from drivers 512, previously described in conjunction with FIG. 2. The OS 516 can be any software, consisting of programs and data, that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for the execution of various applications 564. The OS 516 can be any operating system and, at least in some embodiments, dedicated to mobile devices, including, but not limited to, Linux, ANDROID™, iPhone OS (IOS™), WINDOWS PHONE 7™, etc. The OS 516 is operable to provide functionality to the phone by executing one or more operations, as described herein.

The applications 564 can be any higher level software that executes particular functionality for the user. Applications 564 can include programs such as email clients, web browsers, texting applications, games, media players, office suites, etc. The applications 564 can be stored in an application store 560, which may represent any memory or data storage, and the management software associated therewith, for storing the applications 564. Once executed, the applications 564 may be run in a different area of memory 508.

The framework 520 may be any software or data that allows the multiple tasks running on the device to interact. In embodiments, at least portions of the framework 520 and the discrete components described hereinafter may be considered part of the OS 516 or an application 564. However, these portions will be described as part of the framework 520, but those components are not so limited. The framework 520 can include, but is not limited to, a Multi-Display Management (MDM) module 524, a Surface Cache module 528, a Window Management module 532, an Input Management module 536, a Task Management module 540, a Display Controller, one or more frame buffers 548, a task stack 552, one or more window stacks 550 (which is a logical arrangement of windows and/or desktops in a display area), and/or an event buffer 556.

The MDM module 524 includes one or more modules that are operable to manage the display of applications or other data on the screens of the device. An embodiment of the MDM module 524 is described in conjunction with FIG. 5B. In embodiments, the MDM module 524 receives inputs from the OS 516, the drivers 512 and the applications 564. The inputs assist the MDM module 524 in determining how to configure and allocate the displays according to the application's preferences and requirements, and the user's actions. Once a determination for display configurations is determined, the MDM module 524 can bind the applications 564 to a display configuration. The configuration may then be provided to one or more other components to generate the display.

The Surface Cache module 528 includes any memory or storage and the software associated therewith to store or cache one or more images from the display screens. Each display screen may have associated with the screen a series of active and non-active windows (or other display objects (such as a desktop display)). The active window (or other display object) is currently being displayed. The non-active windows (or other display objects) were opened and/or at some time displayed but are now “behind” the active window (or other display object). To enhance the user experience, before being covered by another active window (or other display object), a “screen shot” of a last generated image of the window (or other display object) can be stored. The Surface Cache module 528 may be operable to store the last active image of a window (or other display object) not currently displayed. Thus, the Surface Cache module 528 stores the images of non-active windows (or other display objects) in a data store (not shown).

In embodiments, the Window Management module 532 is operable to manage the windows (or other display objects) that are active or not active on each of the screens. The Window Management module 532, based on information from the MDM module 524, the OS 516, or other components, determines when a window (or other display object) is active or not active. The Window Management module 532 may then put a non-visible window (or other display object) in a “not active state” and, in conjunction with the Task Management module Task Management 540 suspend the application's operation. Further, the Window Management module 532 may assign a screen identifier to the window (or other display object) or manage one or more other items of data associated with the window (or other display object). The Window Management module 532 may also provide the stored information to the application 564, the Task Management module 540, or other components interacting with or associated with the window (or other display object).

The Input Management module 536 is operable to manage events that occur with the device. An event is any input into the window environment, for example, a user interface interactions with a user. The Input Management module 536 receives the events and logically stores the events in an event buffer 556. Events can include such user interface interactions as a “down event,” which occurs when a screen 104, 108 receives a touch signal from a user, a “move event,” which occurs when the screen 104, 108 determines that a user's finger is moving across a screen(s), an “up event, which occurs when the screen 104, 108 determines that the user has stopped touching the screen 104, 108, etc. These events are received, stored, and forwarded to other modules by the Input Management module 536.

A task can be an application component that provides a screen with which users can interact in order to do something, such as dial the phone, take a photo, send an email, or view a map. Each task may be given a window in which to draw a user interface. The window typically fills the display 110,114, but may be smaller than the display 110,114 and float on top of other windows. An application usually consists of multiple activities that are loosely bound to each other. Typically, one task in an application is specified as the “main” task, which is presented to the user when launching the application for the first time. Each task can then start another task to perform different actions.

The Task Management module 540 is operable to manage the operation of the one or more applications 564 that may be executed by the device. Thus, the Task Management module 540 can receive signals to execute an application stored in the application store 560. The Task Management module 540 may then instantiate one or more tasks or components of the application 564 to begin operation of the application 564. Further, the Task Management module 540 may suspend the application 564 based on user interface changes. Suspending the application 564 may maintain application data in memory but may limit or stop access to processor cycles for the application 564. Once the application becomes active again, the Task Management module 540 can again provide access to the processor.

The Display Controller 544 is operable to render and output the display(s) for the multi-screen device. In embodiments, the Display Controller 544 creates and/or manages one or more frame buffers 548. A frame buffer 548 can be a display output that drives a display from a portion of memory containing a complete frame of display data. In embodiments, the Display Controller 544 manages one or more frame buffers. One frame buffer may be a composite frame buffer that can represent the entire display space of both screens. This composite frame buffer can appear as a single frame to the OS 516. The Display Controller 544 can sub-divide this composite frame buffer as required for use by each of the displays 110, 114. Thus, by using the Display Controller 544, the device 100 can have multiple screen displays without changing the underlying software of the OS 516.

The Application Manager 562 can be a service that provides the presentation layer for the window environment. Thus, the Application Manager 562 provides the graphical model for rendering by the Window Management Module 556. Likewise, the Desktop 566 provides the presentation layer for the Application Store 560. Thus, the desktop provides a graphical model of a surface having selectable application icons for the Applications 564 in the Application Store 560 that can be provided to the Window Management Module 556 for rendering.

An embodiment of the MDM module 524 is shown in FIG. 5B. The MDM module 524 is operable to determine the state of the environment for the device, including, but not limited to, the orientation of the device, what applications 564 are executing, how the applications 564 are to be displayed, what actions the user is conducting, the tasks being displayed, etc. To configure the display, the MDM module 524 interprets these environmental factors and determines a display configuration, as described in conjunction with FIGS. 6A-6J. Then, the MDM module 524 can bind the applications 564 or other device components to the displays. The configuration may then be sent to the Display Controller 544 and/or the OS 516 to generate the display. The MDM module 524 can include one or more of, but is not limited to, a Display Configuration Module 568, a Preferences Module 572, a Device State Module 574, a Gesture Module 576, a Requirements Module 580, an Event Module 584, and/or a Binding Module 588.

The Display Configuration Module 568 determines the layout for the display. In embodiments, the Display Configuration Module 568 can determine the environmental factors. The environmental factors may be received from one or more other MDM module 524 modules or from other sources. The Display Configuration Module 568 can then determine from the list of factors the best configuration for the display. Some embodiments of the possible configurations and the factors associated therewith are described in conjunction with FIGS. 6A-6F.

The Preferences Module 572 is operable to determine display preferences for an application 564 or other component. For example, an application can have a preference for Single or Dual displays. The Preferences Module 572 can determine or receive the application preferences and store the preferences. As the configuration of the device changes, the preferences may be reviewed to determine if a better display configuration can be achieved for the application 564.

The Device State Module 574 is operable to determine or receive the state of the device. The state of the device can be as described in conjunction with FIGS. 3A and 3B. The state of the device can be used by the Display Configuration Module 568 to determine the configuration for the display. As such, the Device State Module 574 may receive inputs and interpret the state of the device. The state information is then provided to the Display Configuration Module 568.

The Gesture Module 576 is operable to determine if the user is conducting any actions on the user interface. Thus, the Gesture Module 576 can receive task information either from the task stack 552 or the Input Management module 536. These gestures may be as defined in conjunction with FIGS. 4A through 4H. For example, moving a window causes the display to render a series of display frames that illustrate the window moving. The gesture associated with such user interface interaction can be received and interpreted by the Gesture Module 576. The information about the user gesture is then sent to the Task Management Module 540 to modify the display binding of the task.

The Requirements Module 580, similar to the Preferences Module 572, is operable to determine display requirements for an application 564 or other component. An application can have a set display requirement that must be observed. Some applications require a particular display orientation. For example, the application “Angry Birds” can only be displayed in landscape orientation. This type of display requirement can be determined or received, by the Requirements Module 580. As the orientation of the device changes, the Requirements Module 580 can reassert the display requirements for the application 564. The Display Configuration Module 568 can generate a display configuration that is in accordance with the application display requirements, as provided by the Requirements Module 580.

The Event Module 584, similar to the Gesture Module 576, is operable to determine one or more events occurring with an application or other component that can affect the user interface. Thus, the Gesture Module 576 can receive event information either from the event buffer 556 or the Task Management module 540. These events can change how the tasks are bound to the displays. For example, an email application receiving an email can cause the display to render the new message in a secondary screen. The events associated with such application execution can be received and interpreted by the Event Module 584. The information about the events then may be sent to the Display Configuration Module 568 to modify the configuration of the display.

The Binding Module 588 is operable to bind the applications 564 or the other components to the configuration determined by the Display Configuration Module 568. A binding associates, in memory, the display configuration for each application with the display and mode of the application. Thus, the Binding Module 588 can associate an application with a display configuration for the application (e.g. landscape, portrait, multi-screen, etc.). Then, the Binding Module 588 may assign a display identifier to the display. The display identifier associated the application with a particular screen of the device. This binding is then stored and provided to the Display Controller 544, the OS 516, or other components to properly render the display. The binding is dynamic and can change or be updated based on configuration changes associated with events, gestures, state changes, application preferences or requirements, etc.

User Interface Configurations:

With reference now to FIGS. 6A-J, various types of output configurations made possible by the device 100 will be described hereinafter.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict two different output configurations of the device 100 being in a first state. Specifically, FIG. 6A depicts the device 100 being in a closed portrait state 304 where the data is displayed on the primary screen 104. In this example, the device 100 displays data via the touch sensitive display 110 in a first portrait configuration 604. As can be appreciated, the first portrait configuration 604 may only display a desktop or operating system home screen. Alternatively, one or more windows may be presented in a portrait orientation while the device 100 is displaying data in the first portrait configuration 604.

FIG. 6B depicts the device 100 still being in the closed portrait state 304, but instead data is displayed on the secondary screen 108. In this example, the device 100 displays data via the touch sensitive display 114 in a second portrait configuration 608.

It may be possible to display similar or different data in either the first or second portrait configuration 604, 608. It may also be possible to transition between the first portrait configuration 604 and second portrait configuration 608 by providing the device 100 a user gesture (e.g., a double tap gesture), a menu selection, or other means. Other suitable gestures may also be employed to transition between configurations. Furthermore, it may also be possible to transition the device 100 from the first or second portrait configuration 604, 608 to any other configuration described herein depending upon which state the device 100 is moved.

An alternative output configuration may be accommodated by the device 100 being in a second state. Specifically, FIG. 6C depicts a third portrait configuration where data is displayed simultaneously on both the primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108. The third portrait configuration may be referred to as a Dual-Portrait (PD) output configuration. In the PD output configuration, the touch sensitive display 110 of the primary screen 104 depicts data in the first portrait configuration 604 while the touch sensitive display 114 of the secondary screen 108 depicts data in the second portrait configuration 608. The simultaneous presentation of the first portrait configuration 604 and the second portrait configuration 608 may occur when the device 100 is in an open portrait state 320. In this configuration, the device 100 may display one application window in one display 110 or 114, two application windows (one in each display 110 and 114), one application window and one desktop, or one desktop. Other configurations may be possible. It should be appreciated that it may also be possible to transition the device 100 from the simultaneous display of configurations 604, 608 to any other configuration described herein depending upon which state the device 100 is moved. Furthermore, while in this state, an application's display preference may place the device into bilateral mode, in which both displays are active to display different windows in the same application. For example, a Camera application may display a viewfinder and controls on one side, while the other side displays a mirrored preview that can be seen by the photo subjects. Games involving simultaneous play by two players may also take advantage of bilateral mode.

FIGS. 6D and 6E depicts two further output configurations of the device 100 being in a third state. Specifically, FIG. 6D depicts the device 100 being in a closed landscape state 340 where the data is displayed on the primary screen 104. In this example, the device 100 displays data via the touch sensitive display 110 in a first landscape configuration 612. Much like the other configurations described herein, the first landscape configuration 612 may display a desktop, a home screen, one or more windows displaying application data, or the like.

FIG. 6E depicts the device 100 still being in the closed landscape state 340, but instead data is displayed on the secondary screen 108. In this example, the device 100 displays data via the touch sensitive display 114 in a second landscape configuration 616. It may be possible to display similar or different data in either the first or second portrait configuration 612, 616. It may also be possible to transition between the first landscape configuration 612 and second landscape configuration 616 by providing the device 100 with one or both of a twist and tap gesture or a flip and slide gesture. Other suitable gestures may also be employed to transition between configurations. Furthermore, it may also be possible to transition the device 100 from the first or second landscape configuration 612, 616 to any other configuration described herein depending upon which state the device 100 is moved.

FIG. 6F depicts a third landscape configuration where data is displayed simultaneously on both the primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108. The third landscape configuration may be referred to as a Dual-Landscape (LD) output configuration. In the LD output configuration, the touch sensitive display 110 of the primary screen 104 depicts data in the first landscape configuration 612 while the touch sensitive display 114 of the secondary screen 108 depicts data in the second landscape configuration 616. The simultaneous presentation of the first landscape configuration 612 and the second landscape configuration 616 may occur when the device 100 is in an open landscape state 340. It should be appreciated that it may also be possible to transition the device 100 from the simultaneous display of configurations 612, 616 to any other configuration described herein depending upon which state the device 100 is moved.

FIGS. 6G and 6H depict two views of a device 100 being in yet another state. Specifically, the device 100 is depicted as being in an easel state 312. FIG. 6G shows that a first easel output configuration 618 may be displayed on the touch sensitive display 110. FIG. 6H shows that a second easel output configuration 620 may be displayed on the touch sensitive display 114. The device 100 may be configured to depict either the first easel output configuration 618 or the second easel output configuration 620 individually. Alternatively, both the easel output configurations 618, 620 may be presented simultaneously. In some embodiments, the easel output configurations 618, 620 may be similar or identical to the landscape output configurations 612, 616. The device 100 may also be configured to display one or both of the easel output configurations 618, 620 while in a modified easel state 316. It should be appreciated that simultaneous utilization of the easel output configurations 618, 620 may facilitate two-person games (e.g., Battleship®, chess, checkers, etc.), multi-user conferences where two or more users share the same device 100, and other applications. As can be appreciated, it may also be possible to transition the device 100 from the display of one or both configurations 618, 620 to any other configuration described herein depending upon which state the device 100 is moved.

FIG. 6I depicts yet another output configuration that may be accommodated while the device 100 is in an open portrait state 320. Specifically, the device 100 may be configured to present a single continuous image across both touch sensitive displays 110, 114 in a portrait configuration referred to herein as a Portrait-Max (PMax) configuration 624. In this configuration, data (e.g., a single image, application, window, icon, video, etc.) may be split and displayed partially on one of the touch sensitive displays while the other portion of the data is displayed on the other touch sensitive display. The Pmax configuration 624 may facilitate a larger display and/or better resolution for displaying a particular image on the device 100. Similar to other output configurations, it may be possible to transition the device 100 from the Pmax configuration 624 to any other output configuration described herein depending upon which state the device 100 is moved.

FIG. 6J depicts still another output configuration that may be accommodated while the device 100 is in an open landscape state 348. Specifically, the device 100 may be configured to present a single continuous image across both touch sensitive displays 110, 114 in a landscape configuration referred to herein as a Landscape-Max (LMax) configuration 628. In this configuration, data (e.g., a single image, application, window, icon, video, etc.) may be split and displayed partially on one of the touch sensitive displays while the other portion of the data is displayed on the other touch sensitive display. The Lmax configuration 628 may facilitate a larger display and/or better resolution for displaying a particular image on the device 100. Similar to other output configurations, it may be possible to transition the device 100 from the Lmax configuration 628 to any other output configuration described herein depending upon which state the device 100 is moved.

The device 100 manages desktops and/or windows with at least one window stack 1700, 1728, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. A window stack 1700, 1728 is a logical arrangement of active and/or inactive windows for a multi-screen device. For example, the window stack 1700, 1728 may be logically similar to a deck of cards, where one or more windows or desktops are arranged in order, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. An active window is a window that is currently being displayed on at least one of the touch sensitive displays 110, 114. For example, windows 104 and 108 are active windows and are displayed on touch sensitive displays 110 and 114. An inactive window is a window that was opened and displayed but is now “behind” an active window and not being displayed. In embodiments, an inactive window may be for an application that is suspended, and thus, the window is not displaying active content. For example, windows 1712, 1716, 1720, and 1724 are inactive windows.

A window stack 1700, 1728 may have various arrangements or organizational structures. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A, the device 100 includes a first stack 1760 associated with a first touch sensitive display 110 and a second stack associated with a second touch sensitive display 114. Thus, each touch sensitive display 110, 114 can have an associated window stack 1760, 1764. These two window stacks 1760, 1764 may have different numbers of windows arranged in the respective stacks 1760, 1764. Further, the two window stacks 1760, 1764 can also be identified differently and managed separately. Thus, the first window stack 1760 can be arranged in order from a first window 1704 to a next window 1720 to a last window 1724 and finally to a desktop 1722, which, in embodiments, is at the “bottom” of the window stack 1760. In embodiments, the desktop 1722 is not always at the “bottom” as application windows can be arranged in the window stack below the desktop 1722, and the desktop 1722 can be brought to the “top” of a stack over other windows during a desktop reveal. Likewise, the second stack 1764 can be arranged from a first window 1708 to a next window 1712 to a last window 1716, and finally to a desktop 1718, which, in embodiments, is a single desktop area, with desktop 1722, under all the windows in both window stack 1760 and window stack 1764. A logical data structure for managing the two window stacks 1760, 1764 may be as described in conjunction with FIG. 11.

Another arrangement for a window stack 1728 is shown in FIG. 10B. In this embodiment, there is a single window stack 1728 for both touch sensitive displays 110, 114. Thus, the window stack 1728 is arranged from a desktop 1758 to a first window 1744 to a last window 1756. A window can be arranged in a position among all windows without an association to a specific touch sensitive display 110, 114. In this embodiment, a window is in the order of windows. Further, at least one window is identified as being active. For example, a single window may be rendered in two portions 1732 and 1736 that are displayed on the first touch sensitive screen 110 and the second touch sensitive screen 114. The single window may only occupy a single position in the window stack 1728 although it is displayed on both displays 110, 114.

Yet another arrangement of a window stack 1760 is shown in FIGS. 10C through 10E. The window stack 1760 is shown in three “elevation” views. In FIG. 10C, the top of the window stack 1760 is shown. Two sides of the window stack 1760 are shown in FIGS. 10D and 10E. In this embodiment, the window stack 1760 resembles a stack of bricks. The windows are stacked on each other. Looking from the top of the window stack 1760 in FIG. 10C, only the top most windows in the window stack 1760 are seen in different portions of the composite display 1764. The composite display 1764 represents a logical model for the entire display area of the device 100, which can include touch sensitive display 110 and touch sensitive display 114. A desktop 1786 or a window can occupy part or all of the composite display 1764.

In the embodiment shown, the desktop 1786 is the lowest display or “brick” in the window stack 1760. Thereupon, window 1 1782, window 2 1782, window 3 1768, and window 4 1770 are layered. Window 1 1782, window 3 1768, window 2 1782, and window 4 1770 only occupy a portion of the composite display 1764. Thus, another part of the stack 1760 includes window 8 1774 and windows 5 through 7 shown in section 1790. Only the top window in any portion of the composite display 1764 is actually rendered and displayed. Thus, as shown in the top view in FIG. 10C, window 4 1770, window 8 1774, and window 3 1768 are displayed as being at the top of the display in different portions of the window stack 1760. A window can be dimensioned to occupy only a portion of the composite display 1760 to “reveal” windows lower in the window stack 1760. For example, window 3 1768 is lower in the stack than both window 4 1770 and window 8 1774 but is still displayed. A logical data structure to manage the window stack can be as described in conjunction with FIG. 11.

When a new window is opened, the newly activated window is generally positioned at the top of the stack. However, where and how the window is positioned within the stack can be a function of the orientation of the device 100, the context of what programs, functions, software, etc. are being executed on the device 100, how the stack is positioned when the new window is opened, etc. To insert the window in the stack, the position in the stack for the window is determined and the touch sensitive display 110, 114 to which the window is associated may also be determined. With this information, a logical data structure for the window can be created and stored. When user interface or other events or tasks change the arrangement of windows, the window stack(s) can be changed to reflect the change in arrangement. It should be noted that these same concepts described above can be used to manage the one or more desktops for the device 100.

A logical data structure 1800 for managing the arrangement of windows or desktops in a window stack is shown in FIG. 11. The logical data structure 1800 can be any data structure used to store data whether an object, record, file, etc. The logical data structure 1800 can be stored in any type of database or data storage system, regardless of protocol or standard. In embodiments, the logical data structure 1800 includes one or more portions, fields, attributes, etc. that store data in a logical arrangement that allows for easy storage and retrieval of the information. Hereinafter, these one or more portions, fields, attributes, etc. shall be described simply as fields. The fields can store data for a window identifier 1804, dimensions 1808, a stack position identifier 1812, a display identifier 1816, and/or an active indicator 1820. Each window in a window stack can have an associated logical data structure 1800. While only a single logical data structure 1800 is shown in FIG. 11, there may be more or fewer logical data structures 1800 used with a window stack (based on the number of windows or desktops in the stack), as represented by ellipses 1824. Further, there may be more or fewer fields than those shown in FIG. 11, as represented by ellipses 1828.

A window identifier 1804 can include any identifier (ID) that uniquely identifies the associated window in relation to other windows in the window stack. The window identifier 1804 can be a globally unique identifier (GUID), a numeric ID, an alphanumeric ID, or other type of identifier. In embodiments, the window identifier 1804 can be one, two, or any number of digits based on the number of windows that can be opened. In alternative embodiments, the size of the window identifier 1804 may change based on the number of windows opened. While the window is open, the window identifier 1804 may be static and remain unchanged.

Dimensions 1808 can include dimensions for a window in the composite display 1760. For example, the dimensions 1808 can include coordinates for two or more corners of the window or may include one coordinate and dimensions for the width and height of the window. These dimensions 1808 can delineate what portion of the composite display 1760 the window may occupy, which may the entire composite display 1760 or only part of composite display 1760. For example, window 4 1770 may have dimensions 1880 that indicate that the window 1770 will occupy only part of the display area for composite display 1760, as shown in FIGS. 10C through 10E. As windows are moved or inserted in the window stack, the dimensions 1808 may change

A stack position identifier 1812 can be any identifier that can identify the position in the stack for the window or may be inferred from the window's control record within a data structure, such as a list or a stack. The stack position identifier 1812 can be a GUID, a numeric ID, an alphanumeric ID, or other type of identifier. Each window or desktop can include a stack position identifier 1812. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, window 1 1704 in stack 1 1760 can have a stack position identifier 1812 of 1 identifying that window 1704 is the first window in the stack 1760 and the active window. Similarly, window 6 1724 can have a stack position identifier 1812 of 3 representing that window 1724 is the third window in the stack 1760. Window 2 1708 can also have a stack position identifier 1812 of 1 representing that window 1708 is the first window in the second stack 1764. As shown in FIG. 10B, window 1 1744 can have a stack position identifier 1812 of 1, window 3, rendered in portions 1732 and 1736, can have a stack position identifier 1812 of 3, and window 6 1756 can have a stack position identifier 1812 of 6. Thus, depending on the type of stack, the stack position identifier 1812 can represent a window's location in the stack.

A display identifier 1816 can identify that the window or desktop is associated with a particular display, such as the first display 110 or the second display 114, or the composite display 1760 composed of both displays. While this display identifier 1816 may not be needed for a multi-stack system, as shown in FIG. 10A, the display identifier 1816 can indicate whether a window in the serial stack of FIG. 10B is displayed on a particular display. Thus, window 3 may have two portions 1732 and 1736 in FIG. 10B. The first portion 1732 may have a display identifier 1816 for the first display while the second portion 1736 may have a display identifier 1816 for the second display 114. However, in alternative embodiments, the window may have two display identifier 1816 that represent that the window is displayed on both of the displays 110, 114, or a display identifier 1816 identifying the composite display. In another alternate embodiment, the window may have a single display identifier 1816 to represent that the window is displayed on both of the displays 110, 114.

Similar to the display identifier 1816, an active indicator 1820 may not be needed with the dual stack system of FIG. 10A, as the window in stack position 1 is active and displayed. In the system of FIG. 10B, the active indicator 1820 can indicate which window(s) in the stack is being displayed. Thus, window 3 may have two portions 1732 and 1736 in FIG. 10. The first portion 1732 may have an active indicator 1820 while the second portion 1736 may also have an active indicator 1820. However, in alternative embodiments, window 3 may have a single active indicator 1820. The active indicator 1820 can be a simple flag or bit that represents that the window is active or displayed.

An embodiment of a method 1900 for creating a window stack is shown in FIG. 12. While a general order for the steps of the method 1900 is shown in FIG. 12. Generally, the method 1900 starts with a start operation 1904 and ends with an end operation 1928. The method 1900 can include more or fewer steps or can arrange the order of the steps differently than those shown in FIG. 12. The method 1900 can be executed as a set of computer-executable instructions executed by a computer system and encoded or stored on a computer readable medium. Hereinafter, the method 1900 shall be explained with reference to the systems, components, modules, software, data structures, user interfaces, etc. described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-11.

A multi-screen device 100 can receive activation of a window, in step 1908. In embodiments, the multi-screen device 100 can receive activation of a window by receiving an input from the touch sensitive display 110 or 114, the configurable area 112 or 116, a gesture capture region 120 or 124, or some other hardware sensor operable to receive user interface inputs. The processor may execute the Task Management Module 540 may receive the input. The Task Management Module 540 can interpret the input as requesting an application task to be executed that will open a window in the window stack.

In embodiments, the Task Management Module 540 places the user interface interaction in the task stack 552 to be acted upon by the Display Configuration Module 568 of the Multi-Display Management Module 524. Further, the Task Management Module 540 waits for information from the Multi-Display Management Module 524 to send instructions to the Window Management Module 532 to create the window in the window stack.

The Multi-Display Management Module 524, upon receiving instruction from the Task Management Module 540, determines to which touch portion of the composite display 1760, the newly activated window should be associated, in step 1912. For example, window 4 1770 is associated with the a portion of the composite display 1764 In embodiments, the device state module 574 of the Multi-Display Management Module 524 may determine how the device is oriented or in what state the device is in, e.g., open, closed, portrait, etc. Further, the preferences module 572 and/or requirements module 580 may determine how the window is to be displayed. The gesture module 576 may determine the user's intentions about how the window is to be opened based on the type of gesture and the location of where the gesture is made.

The Display Configuration Module 568 may use the input from these modules and evaluate the current window stack 1760 to determine the best place and the best dimensions, based on a visibility algorithm, to open the window. Thus, the Display Configuration Module 568 determines the best place to put the window at the top of the window stack 1760, in step 1916. The visibility algorithm, in embodiments, determines for all portions of the composite display, which windows are at the top of the stack. For example, the visibility algorithm determines that window 3 1768, window 4 1770, and window 8 1774 are at the top of the stack 1760 as viewed in FIGS. 10C through 10E. Upon determining where to open the window, the Display Configuration Module 568 can assign a display identifier 816 and possibly dimensions 808 to the window. The display identifier 816 and dimensions 808 can then be sent back to the Task Management Module 540. The Task Management Module 540 may then assign the window a stack position identifier 812 indicating the windows position at the top of the window stack.

In embodiments, the Task Management Module 540 sends the window stack information and instructions to render the window to the Window Management Module 532. The Window Management Module 532 and the Task Management Module 540 can create the logical data structure 800, in step 1924. Both the Task Management Module 540 and the Window Management Module 532 may create and manage copies of the window stack. These copies of the window stack can be synchronized or kept similar through communications between the Window Management Module 532 and the Task Management Module 540. Thus, the Window Management Module 532 and the Task Management Module 540, based on the information determined by the Multi-Display Management Module 524, can assign dimensions 808, a stack position identifier 812 (e.g., window 1 1782, window 4 1770, etc.), a display identifier 816 (e.g., touch sensitive display 1 110, touch sensitive display 2 114, composite display identifier, etc,), and an active indicator 820, which is generally always set when the window is at the “top” of the stack. The logical data structure 800 may then be stored by both the Window Management Module 532 and the Task Management Module 540. Further, the Window Management Module 532 and the Task Management Module 540 may thereinafter manage the window stack and the logical data structure(s) 800.

FIG. 13 depicts a further window stacking configuration. A plurality of windows 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, whether from the same or different multi-screen or single-screen applications, are depicted. The touch sensitive display 110 currently has window 4 in the active display position while touch sensitive display 114 currently has window 5 in the active display position. The stack for touch sensitive display 110, from top to bottom, has window 4 in the active display position and windows 3, 2, and 1 positioned behind it. The stack for touch sensitive display 114, from top to bottom, has window 5 in the active display position and windows 6, 7, and 8 positioned behind it.

The desktops D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6 are positioned behind the window stacks. The desktops can be viewed as a desktop stack different from the window stack. Viewed in this manner, the touch sensitive display 110 has a corresponding desktop stack comprising desktops D3, D2, and D1, with desktop D1 being at the bottom 2300 stack position and with desktop D3 at the top stack position being capable of being displayed with window 4 (depending on the window position and size (whether maximized or minimized), and the touch sensitive display 114 has a corresponding desktop stack has a corresponding desktop stack comprising desktops D4, D5, and D6, with desktop D6 being at the bottom 2304 stack position and with desktop D4 at the top stack position being capable of being displayed with window 5 (depending on the window position and size (whether maximized or minimized). Conceptually, the desktops can be viewed as a canvas divided, in this example, into six sections of which two can be displayed, at any one time, the touch sensitive displays 110, 114. When the device 100 is in the closed state, this conceptual model, in one configuration, persists. In this configuration, only one window and desktop stacks can be seen (that corresponding to the primary screen) but the other window and desktop stacks are virtual; that is, they are maintained in memory but cannot be seen because the secondary screen is not enabled.

A displayed image transition indicator, also referred to as a well, is displayed ahead of the displayed image (such as a window or desktop) as the displayed image moves from an origin to a target touch sensitive display 110, 114. The displayed image transition indicator previews for the user movement of the displayed image in response to a user gesture. For example when a window movement gesture is received from the user, the transition indicator expands or slides from behind the window (to be moved) and moves along the intended path of travel for the window, or towards the target touch sensitive display, to the final window destination. The portion of the target touch sensitive display to be occupied by the window after movement is occupied by the transition indicator. After movement of the transition indicator is completed or at some other point of transition indicator movement, the window moves to occupy the portion of the target touch sensitive display occupied by the transition indicator. In one configuration, the displayed image transition indicator moves at substantially the same rate as (or as a linear or other function of a rate of movement of) the tracked user gesture causing movement of the displayed object. The displayed image transition indicator, in configuration, is used for multi-screen applications that need to expand to two screens or touch sensitive displays. In this configuration, the displayed image transition indicator is not used for moving displayed images associated with single-screen applications. In that case, the displayed image and output of the actual application are moved without a transition indicator being involved.

The transition indicator is typically a displayed image, commonly of a similar size and shape to the displayed image to be moved, and is unable to receive or provide dynamic user input or output, respectively. It typically, though not necessarily, is a substantially solid colored displayed image that has an appearance different from the displayed image to be moved. The transition indicator may display a trademark or other brand image associated with a manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer of the device 100. In other configurations, the transition indicator is user configurable. The user may select a color or set of colors, pattern, design, icon, photograph or other image to be displayed as the transition indicator. Thus, the user may personalize the transition indicator to suit his or her preferences, whereby different users have different transition indicators on their respective devices 100. The user may further select one or more audible sounds to be played at one or more selected points in the transition indicator's travel to the target touch sensitive display. For example, a user selected sound may be played to announce initiation of movement of the transition indicator, at the half-way point along the transition indicator's path of travel, and/or when the transition indicator is at its destination in the target touch sensitive display. The user may further elect to disable the transition indicator, resize the transition indicator so that its size is less than or larger than the displayed image to be relocated, and/or re-time the movement of the transition indicator to make its movement faster or slower than a default setting.

In one configuration, the well is an affordance generally used for multi-screen applications and not for single-screen applications. In one configuration, the transition indicator is enabled only when displayed images are to be moved in response to a gesture received by a gesture capture region 120, 124. In one configuration, the transition indicator is enabled only when the displayed images are to be moved in response to a gesture received by a touch sensitive display 110, 114. In other configurations, the transition indicator is associated only with certain displayed image movements or transitions.

Various examples will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 7-8.

In FIG. 7A, the touch sensitive displays 110, 114 are in portrait display orientation and display, respectively, window 1 and second desktop D2. A gesture 700 is received by the gesture capture region 120, 124. Alternatively, the gesture 700 is received by a touch sensitive display 110, 114. The gesture may be any suitable gesture, including, without limitation, those gestures described above. By the gesture 700, the user indicated his or her command to move the window 1 from (origin) touch sensitive display 110 to (target) touch sensitive display 114.

Referring to FIG. 7B, in continuing response to gesture receipt the transition indicator 704 initiates movement left-to-right or right-to-left (depending on the orientation of the device 100 and touch sensitive display in question) typically from a point that appears to be behind the window 1 and typically at the same rate of movement as the tracked user gesture. Typically, the transition indicator 704 is not in the previously displayed image stack associated with the (origin) touch sensitive display 110. Stated another way, when the gesture is received, the transition indicator is not present in an active or inactive display position of either touch sensitive display 110 or 114. When and as the transition indicator 704 expands or moves, a seam 708 between the first and second touch sensitive displays 110, 114 and their respective displayed images is dimmed out completely to reveal the transition indicator background. Stated another way, the transition indicator 704 moves outward from the seam 708 in a direction ultimately to cover, typically substantially completely, the touch sensitive display 114 and second desktop D2. As shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the transition indicator begins to cover the second desktop D2.

In FIG. 7D, the transition indicator 704 has covered fully the second desktop D2 in touch sensitive display 114 while the window 1 remains stationary in the touch sensitive display 110. Stated another way, window 1 is in the active display position for touch sensitive display 110 while the transition indicator 704 is in the active display position for touch sensitive display 114. Both the first and second desktops D1 and D2 are in inactive display positions for touch sensitive displays 110 and 114, respectively. In other configurations, the transition indicator covers only part of the target touch-sensitive display (114) before window movement is enabled or initiated.

When the transition indicator 704 has moved and occupied partially or fully the target touch sensitive display (in this example touch sensitive display 114) so that the prior display image (the prior display image is, in the example, the second desktop D2) is partly or completely dimmed out or covered by the transition indicator 704, the first window 1, as shown progressively by FIGS. 7E and 7F, moves over to occupy the target touch sensitive display 114. Until movement is triggered by proper placement of the transition indicator, the first window 1 remains as the displayed image for the source touch sensitive display (in this example touch sensitive display 110). Stated another way, the window 1 remains in the active display position for touch sensitive display 110 until the transition indicator has completed its movement to the target touch sensitive display 114. At that time, the window 1 slides over to cover the transition indicator 704, slowly uncovering the first desktop D1 to occupy the active display position for touch sensitive display 114. When the window 1 has completed its movement to the target touch sensitive display 114, the first desktop D1 is in the active display position for touch sensitive display 110, and the second desktop D2 is in the inactive display position for touch sensitive display 114.

FIGS. 8A-E show the above steps for a device 100 in a landscape display orientation where the first window is being maximized to cover at least part of both the first and second touch sensitive displays 110 and 114. In FIG. 8A, the touch sensitive displays 110, 114 display, respectively, window 1 and second desktop D2. A gesture 700 is received by the gesture capture region 120, 124. Alternatively, the gesture 700 is received by a touch sensitive display 110, 114. The gesture may be any suitable gesture, including, without limitation, those gestures described above. By the gesture 700, the user indicated his or her command to move the window 1 from touch sensitive display 110 to touch sensitive display 114.

Referring to FIG. 8B, in response to gesture receipt the transition indicator 704 initiates movement from a point that appears to be behind the window 1 up-to-down or down-to-up (depending on the orientation of the device 100 and touch sensitive display in question). When and as the transition indicator 704 expands or moves, a seam 708 between the first and second touch sensitive displays 110, 114 and their respective displayed images is dimmed out completely to reveal the transition indicator background. As shown in FIG. 8B, the transition indicator begins to cover the viewable area of the second desktop D2.

In FIG. 8C, the transition indicator 704 has covered partially or fully the second desktop D2 in touch sensitive display 114 while the window 1 remains stationary in the touch sensitive display 110. Stated another way, window 1 is in the active display position for touch sensitive display 110 while the transition indicator 704 is in the active display position for touch sensitive display 114. Both the first and second desktops D1 and D2 are in inactive display positions for touch sensitive displays 110 and 114, respectively.

When the transition indicator 704 has moved and occupied partly or fully the target touch sensitive display (in this example touch sensitive display 114) so that the prior display image (the prior display image is, in the example, the second desktop D2) is completely dimmed out or covered by the transition indicator 704, the first window 1, as shown progressively by FIGS. 8D and 8E, moves over to occupy the target touch sensitive display 114 as well as the origin touch sensitive display 110. Until that time, the first window 1 remains as the displayed image for the source touch sensitive display (in this example touch sensitive display 110). Stated another way, the window 1 remains in the active display position for touch sensitive display 110 until the transition indicator has completed its movement to the target touch sensitive display 114. At that time, the window 1 slides over to cover the transition indicator 704 to occupy the active display positions for both the origin and target touch sensitive displays 110 and 114.

In the various examples, middleware 520, particularly one or more of the Multi-Display Management (MDM) class 524, a Surface Cache class 528, a Window Management class 532, an Activity Management class 536, and an Application Management class 540, independently or collectively, detect receipt of a user gestures (step 900 of FIG. 9) and determine that the received gesture commands movement of a displayed image, such as a window or desktop, to a target touch sensitive display. In response, the middleware 520 causes movement of the transition indicator 704 from the origin touch sensitive display to the target touch-sensitive display (step 1904). When the transition indicator 704 has covered a selected extent of the target touch sensitive display, the middleware 520 moves the displayed image to cover the target touch sensitive display (and to cover the transition indicator). Logic terminates in step 1912.

The exemplary systems and methods of this disclosure have been described in relation to communication devices. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the preceding description omits a number of known structures and devices. This omission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scopes of the claims. Specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. It should however be appreciated that the present disclosure may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific detail set forth herein.

Furthermore, while the exemplary aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations illustrated herein show the various components of the system collocated, certain components of the system can be located remotely, at distant portions of a distributed network, such as a LAN and/or the Internet, or within a dedicated system. Thus, it should be appreciated, that the components of the system can be combined in to one or more devices, such as a communication device, or collocated on a particular node of a distributed network, such as an analog and/or digital telecommunications network, a packet-switch network, or a circuit-switched network. It will be appreciated from the preceding description, and for reasons of computational efficiency, that the components of the system can be arranged at any location within a distributed network of components without affecting the operation of the system. For example, the various components can be located in a switch such as a PBX and media server, gateway, in one or more communications devices, at one or more users' premises, or some combination thereof. Similarly, one or more functional portions of the system could be distributed between a telecommunications device(s) and an associated computing device.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the various links connecting the elements can be wired or wireless links, or any combination thereof, or any other known or later developed element(s) that is capable of supplying and/or communicating data to and from the connected elements. These wired or wireless links can also be secure links and may be capable of communicating encrypted information. Transmission media used as links, for example, can be any suitable carrier for electrical signals, including coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, and may take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communications.

Also, while the flowcharts have been discussed and illustrated in relation to a particular sequence of events, it should be appreciated that changes, additions, and omissions to this sequence can occur without materially affecting the operation of the disclosed embodiments, configuration, and aspects.

A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the disclosure without providing others.

For example in one alternative embodiment, movement of displayed images other than windows and desktops are telegraphed by prior movement of the transition indicator.

In other embodiments, the transition indicator previews window maximization from only one touch-sensitive display to covering both touch-sensitive displays.

In another alternative embodiment, the transition indicator, during transitions, covers the entire touch sensitive display when the device 100 is closed and only the primary screen is active and/or covers both touch sensitive displays when the device 100 is open. The latter case can occur, for example, when a window is maximized or opened and covers both touch-sensitive displays or when the transition affects both the primary and secondary screens. When a window is maximized onto a single touch sensitive display of a closed device or over both touch sensitive displays of an open device, the transition indicator can move from an edge over the active touch sensitive display(s).

In other embodiments, the present disclosure applies to other displayed image transitions besides window movement. In such transitions, at least a portion the touch sensitive display changes a displayed image. The change of the displayed image is indicated by covering the at least a portion of the display with a transition indicator after the previously displayed image is removed and before the new displayed image is introduced.

In yet another embodiment, the systems and methods of this disclosure can be implemented in conjunction with a special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit element(s), an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hard-wired electronic or logic circuit such as discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device or gate array such as PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, special purpose computer, any comparable means, or the like. In general, any device(s) or means capable of implementing the methodology illustrated herein can be used to implement the various aspects of this disclosure. Exemplary hardware that can be used for the disclosed embodiments, configurations and aspects includes computers, handheld devices, telephones (e.g., cellular, Internet enabled, digital, analog, hybrids, and others), and other hardware known in the art. Some of these devices include processors (e.g., a single or multiple microprocessors), memory, nonvolatile storage, input devices, and output devices. Furthermore, alternative software implementations including, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein.

In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be readily implemented in conjunction with software using object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer or workstation platforms. Alternatively, the disclosed system may be implemented partially or fully in hardware using standard logic circuits or VLSI design. Whether software or hardware is used to implement the systems in accordance with this disclosure is dependent on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the system, the particular function, and the particular software or hardware systems or microprocessor or microcomputer systems being utilized.

In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be partially implemented in software that can be stored on a storage medium, executed on programmed general-purpose computer with the cooperation of a controller and memory, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, or the like. In these instances, the systems and methods of this disclosure can be implemented as program embedded on personal computer such as an applet, JAVA® or CGI script, as a resource residing on a server or computer workstation, as a routine embedded in a dedicated measurement system, system component, or the like. The system can also be implemented by physically incorporating the system and/or method into a software and/or hardware system.

Although the present disclosure describes components and functions implemented in the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations with reference to particular standards and protocols, the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations are not limited to such standards and protocols. Other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are in existence and are considered to be included in the present disclosure. Moreover, the standards and protocols mentioned herein and other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are periodically superseded by faster or more effective equivalents having essentially the same functions. Such replacement standards and protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents included in the present disclosure.

The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments, subcombinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

Moreover, though the description has included description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter. 

1. A method, comprising: receiving, by at least one of a gesture capture region and a touch sensitive display, a gesture, the gesture indicating that a displayed image is to be moved from a first touch sensitive display to a second touch sensitive display; and in response and prior to movement of the displayed image to the second touch sensitive display, moving, by a microprocessor, a transition indicator from the first touch sensitive display to the second touch sensitive display to a selected position to be occupied by the displayed image; and thereafter moving, by the microprocessor, the displayed image from the first touch sensitive display to the second touch sensitive display to the selected position.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the displayed image is a desktop and wherein the gesture is received by the touch sensitive display.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the displayed image is a window, wherein the gesture is received by the gesture capture region, and wherein the gesture capture region is unable to display any displayed image.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the transition indicator moves along a path of travel of the displayed image to the selected position to preview movement of the displayed image and wherein a size and shape of the transition indicator is substantially the same as the displayed image.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the transition indicator is unable to receive or provide dynamic user input or output, respectively, wherein the transition indicator has an appearance different from the displayed image, and wherein the transition indicator covers only part of the second touch-sensitive display before the displayed image is moved to cover fully the second touch-sensitive display.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein, when the gesture is received, the transition indicator is absent from a displayed image stack associated with the first and second touch sensitive displays, wherein the displayed image and transition indicator are simultaneously in active display positions on the first and second touch sensitive displays, respectively, prior to initiation of movement of the displayed image and wherein the transition indicator comprises a user configured color, pattern, design, and/or photograph.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the transition indicator is a graphical affordance, wherein the window is controlled by a multi-screen application, and wherein the transition indicator, during movement from the first touch sensitive display to the second touch sensitive display, is substantially non-responsive to a user command or request.
 8. A non-transient computer readable medium comprising microprocessor executable instructions operable to perform at least the following steps: receiving, by at least one of a gesture capture region and a touch sensitive display, a gesture, the gesture indicating that a displayed image is to be moved from a first touch sensitive display to a second touch sensitive display; and in response and prior to movement of the displayed image to the second touch sensitive display, moving a transition indicator from the first touch sensitive display to the second touch sensitive display to a selected position to be occupied by the displayed image; and thereafter moving the displayed image from the first touch sensitive display to the second touch sensitive display to the selected position.
 9. The medium of claim 8, wherein the displayed image is a desktop and wherein the gesture is received by the touch sensitive display.
 10. The medium of claim 8, wherein the displayed image is a window, wherein the gesture is received by the gesture capture region, and wherein the gesture capture region is unable to display any displayed image.
 11. The medium of claim 8 wherein the transition indicator moves along a path of travel of the displayed image to the selected position to preview movement of the displayed image and wherein a size and shape of the transition indicator is substantially the same as the displayed image.
 12. The medium of claim 8 wherein the transition indicator is unable to receive or provide dynamic user input or output, respectively, wherein the transition indicator has an appearance different from the displayed image, and wherein the transition indicator covers only part of the second touch-sensitive display before the displayed image is moved to cover fully the second touch-sensitive display.
 13. The medium of claim 8, wherein, when the gesture is received, the transition indicator is absent from a displayed image stack associated with the first and second touch sensitive displays, wherein the displayed image and transition indicator are simultaneously in active display positions on the first and second touch sensitive displays, respectively, prior to initiation of movement of the displayed image and wherein the transition indicator comprises a user configured color, pattern, design, and/or photograph.
 14. The medium of claim 8, wherein the transition indicator is a graphical affordance, wherein the window is controlled by a multi-screen application, and wherein the transition indicator, during movement from the first touch sensitive display to the second touch sensitive display, is substantially non-responsive to a user command or request.
 15. A dual display communication device, comprising: a gesture capture region to receive a gesture; a first touch sensitive display to receive a gesture and display displayed images, wherein the displayed images are at least one of a desktop and window of an application; a second touch sensitive display to receive a gesture and display displayed images; and middleware operable to perform at least one of the following operations: receive a gesture, the gesture indicating that a displayed image is to be expanded from the first touch sensitive display to cover at least most of the second touch sensitive display; in response and prior to expansion of the displayed image to the second touch sensitive display, expand a transition indicator to cover at least most of the second touch sensitive display; and thereafter expand the displayed image to the second touch sensitive display.
 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the displayed image is a desktop and wherein the gesture is received by the touch sensitive display.
 17. The device of claim 15, wherein the displayed image is a minimized window, wherein the gesture is received by the gesture capture region, wherein the gesture capture region is unable to display any displayed image, and wherein the window is maximized to cover at least most of the first and second touch-sensitive displays.
 18. The device of claim 15, wherein the transition indicator moves along a path of travel of the displayed image to the selected position to preview expansion of the displayed image and wherein a size and shape of the transition indicator is substantially the same as the displayed image.
 19. The device of claim 15, wherein the transition indicator is unable to receive or provide dynamic user input or output, respectively, and wherein the transition indicator has an appearance different from the displayed image.
 20. The device of claim 15, wherein, when the gesture is received, the transition indicator is absent from a displayed image stack associated with the first and second touch sensitive displays, wherein the displayed image and transition indicator are simultaneously in active display positions on the first and second touch sensitive displays, respectively, prior to initiation of expansion of the displayed image and wherein the transition indicator comprises a user configured color, pattern, design, and/or photograph.
 21. The device of claim 15, wherein the transition indicator is a graphical affordance, wherein the window is controlled by a multi-screen application, and wherein the transition indicator, during expansion from the first touch sensitive display to the second touch sensitive display, is substantially non-responsive to a user command or request. 